DORA AKUNYILI: A ROLE MODEL FOR NIGERIA

Dora Akunyili: A Role Model for Nigeria
Dora Akunyili, director general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has led her agency on a persistent fight to root out both internal corruption and low standards for food and drugs. Before she took over NAFDAC, adulterated or contaminated drugs and foods were rampant in Nigeria. Amid her crusades against fake and substandard products, Akunyili has made powerful enemies but continues with determination. “My coming here and not doing the work is greater than any sin in the 10 commandments,” Akunyili said following an assassination attempt in December 26, 2003. “I just leave it to God and put in the effort that is humanly possible. I refuse to be intimidated.” Akunyili said that her determination to root out fake drugs stems in part from the death of her sister, who died because she did not receive the
proper insulin. Her fervor also stems from her extensive pharmacy training that began at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Even with her extensive professional demands, Akunyili still finds time to pass along her own training through supervision of six postgraduate students in Nsukka. Akunyili has won many awards for dedication to duty and demonstrated that public institutions can work, including a Transparency International prize for her integrity. “The forces of darkness have risen up against us to distract us, to intimidate us, and to return us to the status quo ante, but I have made up my mind not to fail God,” she said. “I am on the side of righteousness. God is with me I have no reason to be afraid.”

Este texto sera traducido en castellano proximamente.